EXPLORATORY/DEVELOPMENTAL GRANTS FOR DIAGNOSTIC CANCER IMAGING Release Date: December 8, 2000 PA NUMBER: PA-01-030 (see replacement PA-04-045) (see also NOT-CA-03-034 and NOT-CA-02-023) National Cancer Institute THIS PA USES THE "MODULAR GRANT" AND "JUST-IN-TIME" CONCEPTS. IT INCLUDES DETAILED MODIFICATIONS TO STANDARD APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS THAT MUST BE USED WHEN PREPARING APPLICATIONS IN RESPONSE TO THIS PA. This Program Announcement (PA) replaces PA-98-008, which was published in NIH Guide Volume 26, Number 37, November 7, 1997 PURPOSE The Biomedical Imaging Program (BIP), of the Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD) solicits exploratory/developmental (R21) grants that articulate highly innovative research concepts in diagnostic cancer imaging. Within each area of importance in imaging, there exists a need for innovative and creative approaches leading to new avenues of research. One way to encourage research into high risk/high impact areas is to provide investigators with the initial resources required to accomplish feasibility and pilot testing of innovative ideas. The R21 mechanism will provide investigators at all career levels with a defined level of funding adequate for the initial feasibility testing of high risk/high impact concepts and, if the concepts are viable, for the generation of experimental preliminary data. This would render the investigators competitive for continued funding through other NIH research award mechanisms, thus potentially leading to the establishment of new research programs in areas that might have previously remained unexplored. This PA will expire on October 2, 2002, unless reissued. NIH Grants policies apply to these awards. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Research topics to be supported by the R21 mechanism will be those falling within broad areas of clear importance to the future of in vivo biomedical cancer imaging. 1. Development of new and innovative imaging modalities and their optimization, characterization, preclinical and clinical evaluation, with emphasis on their potential for cancer screening, diagnosis or treatment. 2. Development of new and innovative contrast or molecular/radiotracer agents for tumor visualization and interpretation for cancer diagnosis, staging or treatment or understanding the physiological states of organ systems and tumor systems. 3. Development of new and innovative methods for image acquisition, display, transmission, computer assisted analysis, teleradiology and telemedicine applications that impact cancer screening, diagnosis or treatment or improve cost effectiveness in the oncology setting. 4. Development of innovative methods for interventional radiology and techniques for improved image guided diagnosis or treatment. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This PA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) exploratory/developmental (R21) grant mechanism. Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed project will be solely that of the applicant. Applicants may request up to two years of support and up to $125,00 per annum in direct costs. These grants are non-renewable and continuation of projects developed under this PA will be through the traditional unsolicited investigator initiated grant program. Specific application instructions have been modified to reflect "MODULAR GRANT" and "JUST-IN-TIME" streamlining efforts being examined by the NIH. Complete and detailed instructions and information on Modular Grant applications can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applications may be submitted by foreign and domestic, for-profit and non-profit organizations, public and private, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, units of State and local governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as principal investigators. INQUIRIES Inquiries are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome. Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to: Anne E. Menkens, Ph.D. Biomedical Imaging Program National Cancer Institute National Institutes of Health EPN 6068 6130 Executive Boulevard Bethesda, MD 20892 Rockville, MD 20852 (express mail) Telephone: 301-496-9531 FAX: 301-480-5785 Email: am187k@nih.gov BIP website: www.nci.nih.gov/bip Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Ms. Jill Rogers Grants Administration Branch National Cancer Institute Executive Plaza South, Room 243 Bethesda, MD 20892 Rockville, MD 20852 (express mail) Telephone: (301) 496-8699 FAX: (301) 496-8601 Email: jr261m@nih.gov APPLICATION PROCEDURES The modular grant concept establishes specific modules in which direct costs may be requested as well as a maximum level for requested budgets. Only limited budgetary information is required under this approach. The just-in- time concept allows applicants to submit certain information only when there is a possibility for an award. It is anticipated that these changes will reduce the administrative burden for the applicants, reviewers and Institute staff. The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 4/98) is to be used in applying for these grants, with the modifications noted below. Applications kits are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Division of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/435-0714, email: grantsinfo@nih.gov. For those applicants with internet access, the 398 kit may be found at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms.htm. Applicants are strongly encouraged to call the program contacts listed in INQUIRIES below with any questions regarding the adherence to the guidelines of their proposed project to the goals of this PA. Special Instructions It is strongly suggested that items a-d of the Research Plan not exceed a total of ten pages. Tables and figures are included in the ten page limitation. Applications that exceed the page limitationor NIH requirements for type size and margins (refer to PHS 398 application for details) will be returned to the applicant without further consideration. The suggested ten page limitation does not include items (e)-(i) (Human Subjects, Vertebrate Animals, Literature Cited, Consortia, Consultants/Collaborators). SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR MODULAR GRANT APPLICATIONS BUDGET INSTRUCTIONS Modular Grant applications will request direct costs in $25,000 modules, up to a total direct cost request of $125,00 per year. The total direct costs must be requested in accordance with the program guidelines and the modifications made to the standard PHS 398 application instructions described below: o FACE PAGE: Items 7a and 7b should be completed, indicating Direct Costs (in $25,000 increments) and Total Costs [Modular Total Direct plus Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs] for the initial budget period. Items 8a and 8b should be completed indicating the Direct and Total Costs for the entire proposed period of support. o DETAILED BUDGET FOR THE INITIAL BUDGET PERIOD - Do not complete Form Page 4 of the PHS 398. It is not required and will not be accepted with the application. o BUDGET FOR THE ENTIRE PROPOSED PERIOD OF SUPPORT - Do not complete the categorical budget table on Form Page 5 of the PHS 398. It is not required and will not be accepted with the application. o NARRATIVE BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - Prepare a Modular Grant Budget Narrative page (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm for sample pages). At the top of the page, enter the total direct costs requested for each year. This is not a form page. o Under Personnel, list all project personnel, including their names, percent of effort, and roles on the project. No individual salary information should be provided. However, the applicant should use the NIH appropriation language salary cap and the NIH policy for graduate student compensation in developing the budget request. For Consortium/Contractual costs, provide an estimate of total costs (direct plus facilities and administrative) for each year, each rounded to the nearest $1,000. List the individuals/organizations with whom consortium or contractual arrangements have been made, the percent effort of all personnel, and the role on the project. Indicate whether the collaborating institution is domestic or foreign. The total cost for a consortium/contractual arrangement is included in the overall requested modular direct cost amount. Include the Letter of Intent to establish a consortium. Provide an additional narrative budget justification for any variation in the number of modules requested. o BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH - The Biographical Sketch provides information used by reviewers in the assessment of each individual's qualifications for a specific role in the proposed project, as well as to evaluate the overall qualifications of the research team. A biographical sketch is required for all key personnel, following the instructions below. No more than three pages may be used for each person. A sample biographical sketch may be viewed at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm. - Complete the educational block at the top of the form page; - List position(s) and any honors; - Provide information, including overall goals and responsibilities, on research projects ongoing or completed during the last three years; - List selected peer-reviewed publications, with full citations. o CHECKLIST - This page should be completed and submitted with the application. If the F&A rate agreement has been established, indicate the type of agreement and the date. All appropriate exclusions must be applied in the calculation of the F&A costs for the initial budget period and all future budget years. The applicant should provide the name and phone number of the individual to contact concerning fiscal and administrative issues if additional information is necessary following the initial review. Applications not conforming to these guidelines will be considered unresponsive to this PA and will be returned without further review. The title and number of the PA must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the checklist, and five signed, exact, single-sided photocopies, in one package to: Center for Scientific Review National Institutes of Health 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 1040 - MSC 7710 Bethesda, MD 20892-7710 Bethesda, MD 20817 (for express/courier service) The Center for Scientific Review (CSR) will not accept any application in response to this PA that is essentially the same as one currently pending initial review, unless the applicant withdraws the pending application. The CSR will not accept any application that is essentially the same as one already reviewed. This does not preclude the submission of substantial revisions of applications already reviewed, but such applications must include an introduction addressing the previous critique. REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Applications will be assigned on the basis of established PHS referral guidelines. Applications will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate scientific review group convened in accordance with the standard NIH peer review procedures. As part of the initial merit review, all applications will receive a written critique and undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit, generally the top half of applications under review, will be discussed, assigned a priority score, and receive a second level review by the appropriate national advisory council or board. Review Criteria The five criteria to be used in the evaluation of grant applications are listed below. The goals of NIH-supported research are to advance our understanding of biological systems, improve the control of disease, and enhance health. The reviewers will comment on the following aspects of the application in their written critiques in order to judge the likelihood that the proposed research will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of these goals. Each of these criteria will be addressed and considered by the reviewers in assigning the overall score weighting them as appropriate for each application. Note that the application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have a major scientific impact and thus deserve a high priority score. For example, an investigator may propose to carry out important work that by its nature is not innovative but is essential to move a field forward. 1. Significance. Does this study address an important problem? If the aims of the application are achieved, how will scientific knowledge be advanced? What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts or methods that drive this field? 2. Approach. Are the conceptual framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well-integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics? 3. Innovation. Does the project employ novel concepts, approaches or method? Are the aims original and innovative? Does the project challenge existing paradigms or develop new methodologies or technologies? 4. Investigator. Is the investigator appropriately trained and well suited to carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the experience level of the principal investigator and other researchers (if any)? 5. Environment. Does the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed experiments take advantage of unique features of the scientific environment or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support? The initial review group will also examine: the appropriateness of proposed project budget and duration; the adequacy of plans to include both genders and minorities and their subgroups, and children as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research and plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects; the provisions for the protection of human and animal subjects; and the safety of the research environment. AWARD CRITERIA Applications will compete for available funds with all other recommended applications assigned to that IC. The following will be considered in making funding decisions: Quality of the proposed project as determined by peer review, availability of funds, and program priority. INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups and their sub- populations must be included in all NIH-supported biomedical and behavioral research projects involving human subjects, unless a clear and compelling rationale and justification are provided indicating that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of the research. This policy results from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law 103-43). All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the UPDATED "NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research," published in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts on August 2, 2000 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-048.html); a complete copy of the updated Guidelines are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/women_min/guidelines_update.htm. The revisions relate to NIH defined Phase III clinical trials and require: a) all applications or proposals and/or protocols to provide a description of plans to conduct analyses, as appropriate, to address differences by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic groups, including subgroups if applicable; and b) all investigators to report accrual, and to conduct and report analyses, as appropriate, by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic group differences. INCLUSION OF CHILDREN AS PARTICIPANTS IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS. It is the policy of NIH that children (i.e., individuals under the age of 21) must be included in all human subjects research, conducted or supported by the NIH, unless there are clear and compelling scientific and ethical reasons not to include them. This policy applies to all initial (Type 1) applications submitted for receipt dates after October 1, 1998. All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the “NIH Policy and Guidelines on the Inclusion of Children as Participants in Research Involving Human Subjects” that was published in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, March 6, 1998, and is available at the following URL address: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-024.html. Investigators also may obtain copies of the policy from the program staff listed under INQUIRIES. Program staff may also provide additional relevant information concerning the policy. URLS IN NIH GRANT APPLICATIONS OR APPENDICES All applications and proposals for NIH funding must be self-contained within specified page limitations. Unless otherwise specified in an NIH solicitation, internet addresses (URLs) should not be used to provide information necessary to the review because reviewers are under no obligation to view the Internet sites. Reviewers are cautioned that their anonymity may be compromised when they directly access an Internet site. HEALTHY PEOPLE 2010 The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2010," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This PA, EXPLORATORY/DEVELOPMENTAL GRANTS FOR DIAGNOSTIC CANCER IMAGING, is related to priority area of cancer. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2010" at http://www.health.gov/healthypeople/. AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.394. Awards are made under authorization of the Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended ( 42 USC 241 and 284) and administered under NIH grants policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92. This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. The PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro- Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care or early childhood development services are provided to children. This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of the American people.
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